When at the wheel, distractions are not only linked to the use of smartphones and have become more numerous with the development of in-vehicle technologies such as dashboard screens or voice-activated features.

“Distracted driving is already the largest cause of collisions in Canada, but the reasons behind it are evolving,” said CAA National vice president of public affairs Ian Jack. “New technology in vehicles these days can make a ride more convenient, or even safer, but the combination of all that tech together can lead to even more distraction.”

The #BeforeYouDrive campaign aims at reminding that staying safe comes down to staying focused on the road. It invites drivers to deal with distractions before they leave or after they stop.

“It’s impossible to eliminate all distractions,” Jack said. “But to keep yourself and others as safe as possible on the road, CAA urges you to do as much as you can to reduce distractions before you drive. Set the destination, check your safety features, put the phone on ‘do not disturb’ – these are the kinds of things we can do before we start driving.”

The campaign, which features a catchy and fun tune, was developed by Vancouver-based agency One Twenty-Three West and is playing on social channels across Canada. CAA received funding from Transport Canada for the campaign.

Follow the CAA’s tips to avoid distracted driving:

1. Set your playlist, podcast, safety features, whatever you can, before driving
2. Set the GPS and review directions before driving
3. Set your phone to ‘do not disturb’
4. Stow and secure loose objects
5. Avoid eating and drinking while driving

Watch the #BeforeYouDrive Campaign Video

* The latest CAA findings are based on a poll of 2,009 Canadians carried out from 24 November to 2 December 2021. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.19%, 19 times out of 20.